Dr. Doran, principal of Wootton High School, was found unresponsive in his home on August 19th. He was pronounced dead hours later.
Since then, much of the county has been in mourning.
“This news is shocking to all of us who have known and worked with Dr. Doran during his long, distinguished career in education. Dr. Doran has worked in Montgomery County Public Schools for 18 years and his career in education spans more than four decades. His boundless energy, engaging wit, and unwavering commitment to excelence for his students and staff made him a beloved part of the Wootton and MCPS communities,” noted interim superintendent Larry Bowers in a released statement.
Wootton students have also been expressing their grief, many through social media.
“I am at a loss for words knowing I wont get to see that beaming smile everyday in the hallways. It is in these trying times that we must remember not to lose the sense of community, the spirit, the limitless energy, the values that Dr Doran dedicated himself to teaching us since freshman year. Thank you for a wonderful three years and RIP. Wootton Strong,” said Sanyukta Deshmukh, a rising senior at Wootton.
“I never feel right writing these things about people who have passed away, mainly because I never knew them and I feel as if I don’t have the right to say anything because I didn’t know them. But, I talked to him just yesterday. I walked down the hall with him as he went down to unlock a door for me. We talked about our summers and I felt happy that after four years I had a proper conversation with him. He’s teased me about making a phone call in the main halls because, as you all know, there’s no signal whatsoever there. He’s said “Hi” to me and gave me a reassuring smile at the times I felt like breaking down. He was there, on the stage, reassuring our student body that everything will be okay and that we must stay strong through every tragedy passing through Wootton. He was our rock and I’m going to miss his brilliant personality in a place of stress (most of the time). About the picture. I almost deleted it after I took it. Now, I’m happy I didn’t. Dr. Doran was playing around and wrestling with the door and the girl on the other side. I didn’t know any of them but such humor brought a big smile to my face and I will treasure that memory forever,” said Janet Shi, another rising senior.
Prior to serving as the principal of Wootton, Doran had been a teacher for over 30 years. Wootton will hold a memorial for Doran on August 21st.